Scientists Say Massive Drop in Sperm Count Could "Threaten Mankind’s Survival”

Some scientists think that the decline in sperm counts could be a mortal threat to our survival as a species.

A new meta-analysis published in the journal Human Reproduction Update looked at more than 250 previous studies conducted across the world to piece together a portrait of global sperm counts.

Sperm counts dropped by an average of 1.2 percent per year until 2000 when they began dropping even faster.

The meta-analysis was led by Professor Hagai Levine from the Hadassah Braun School of Public Health at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Levine said that the US has the highest certainty that there is a strong and sustainable decline.

Declines in sperm count can be an indicator of health issues, and the analysis is all the more troubling because of it.

Some doctors are cautioning against consuming this data because it is meant to paint an overall picture rather than be focused on individuals.

"We don't understand why we're seeing this pattern, so I think it's hard to be alarmist for an individual," said a doctor who was not involved in the study. This should be a wake up call for policy makers.

Policy action is being urged by the leader of the study.

Levine said that their findings served as a canary in a coal mine. There is a serious problem on our hands that threatens mankind's survival.

He called for global action to promote healthier environments for all species and reduce exposure to reproductive health threatening behaviors.

With the number of threats facing humanity, and a world where overconsumption and resource-hoarding makes life very difficult for a majority of the people on this planet, the concept of declining sperm counts may seem lower priority.

It will be difficult to grapple with the risk until we understand larger issues.

China plans to send monkeys to a space station to have sex with each other.